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The cat was behaving abnormally and acting aggressively toward a dog on a rural property, said Rebecca Hill, communications manager at the Perth District Health Unit.

The cat died and was tested for rabies by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The cat did not come into contact with any people, Hill said.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency couldn't provide information about the health of the dog by press time.

The last time a cat tested positive for rabies in Perth County was in 2008. That year there were also two dogs with rabies.

There were no animals -- not even raccoons or skunks -- that tested positive for rabies in 2010 or 2011.

"This case is a reminder that rabies is still present in Perth County," says Kate Beath, public health inspector. "It is very important to vaccinate your pets against rabies to protect you, your family and your community."

Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act all dogs and cats over three months old must be vaccinated.

Rabies is a fatal disease. It's carried in the saliva of foxes, skunks, raccoons and bats. It can be spread to other animals and humans through a bite, scratch, cut or through the moist tissues of the mouth, nose and eyes.

In response to this case, the Ministry of Natural Resources may distribute baits with the rabies vaccine inside.

To keep your pets and family rabies-free:

Make sure your pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.

Do not let your pets run free in the neighbourhood.

Keep your pets indoors at night.

Teach children to stay away from wild animals, dogs and cats they don't know or animals that are acting strangely.

Always contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) after your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal such as a skunk, fox or raccoon.